tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089785680144928412.post1329172071995413980..comments2017-11-21T07:17:08.840+10:00Comments on Saipan Saipanuvian Speaks: Bruce A. Batemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804747424525560858noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089785680144928412.post-25730980553806063582008-09-08T14:54:00.000+10:002008-09-08T14:54:00.000+10:00I get some time in October and will do something t...I get some time in October and will do something then. Right now, not really easy to pull off.Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16129588857193564261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089785680144928412.post-32695941717577575672008-09-08T10:41:00.000+10:002008-09-08T10:41:00.000+10:00Jeff says, "I think you assign far more importance...Jeff says, "I think you assign far more importance to the CNMI than it merits. In the global scheme, it is less than irrelevant."<BR/><BR/>Other than in the US military eyes as it retreats from the Asian continent and needs a new strategic stronghold you are right. We are a pimple on a gnat’s ass in US eyes. We provide no income to them and don't even provide any votes.<BR/><BR/>So what do you think the reason is? Why would they want to dip their net here? Personal vendetta is as good a guess as any which is why I said "Perhaps there are other, more personal forces at work or maybe it is just the relentless leaning of the big on the small as seen throughout history." in the article.<BR/><BR/>Actual Purpose, if any, unknown. <BR/><BR/>I also agree with you that the CNMI would be far better off (as would the US taxpayer) if she scuttled the current relationship and opted for independent nation status. That option grows more remote, however, with each child taught by a US trained teacher using a US based curriculum. <BR/><BR/>************<BR/><BR/>Have you had the chance to take the family driving around the state yet? A close and fun drive is to go up the “Black Canyon” interstate 17 to Cave Creek road. Turn right (east) and drive over to the cave Creek/Carefree area. Nice places, good restaurants for the family. Then you are close to Bartlett Lake recreation area or you can go north on the unpaved road a few miles to 7 springs.Bruce A. Batemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03804747424525560858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6089785680144928412.post-89226199304262279152008-09-05T16:21:00.000+10:002008-09-05T16:21:00.000+10:00I think you assign far more importance to the CNMI...I think you assign far more importance to the CNMI than it merits. In the global scheme, it is less than irrelevant. <BR/><BR/>As someone now paying for the CNMI's dole from this side, I'd love to seem them walk the walk and become truly independent and give up all the American welfare it lives for. The anti-fed stuff makes for good local politics. The leaders bluster about independence like a five year old threatening to run away from home, and should be taken about as seriously.<BR/><BR/>Federalization amounts to tough love. That place will never fix itself based on a model of make work government jobs without a private sector that offers a living wage. The transition will be harsh, but is long overdue.Jeffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16129588857193564261noreply@blogger.com